search_public_datasetsUse this free tool first when an agent needs official US federal data but does not yet know the dataset ID. Searches normalized catalog metadata and returns matching datasets with provenance; it does not query dataset rows.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| query | Yes | Plain-language topic, agency, or dataset keywords, such as employment, schools, or air quality. |
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, openWorldHint, idempotentHint, and non-destructive behavior. The description adds useful behavioral context beyond annotations: it is free, searches normalized catalog metadata, returns provenance, and does not query dataset rows.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences with no filler. The usage directive is front-loaded, followed by the operational scope and a key negative constraint. Every sentence earns its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a single-parameter search tool, the description covers the trigger condition, the data scope, the operational behavior, and the high-level return value. It lacks explicit response format or pagination details, but the tool is simple enough that this is a minor gap.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% and the query parameter already has a meaningful description with examples. The tool description adds no parameter-specific detail beyond what the schema provides, so the baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description states a specific verb ('Searches') and resource ('normalized catalog metadata'), and clarifies it returns matching datasets with provenance. It also differentiates itself from row-level query tools by explicitly stating 'it does not query dataset rows.'
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description gives explicit guidance: 'Use this free tool first when an agent needs official US federal data but does not yet know the dataset ID.' This is a clear context for use, though it does not name or exclude specific sibling tools.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Add one secure layer between your agents and this server.
Each tool maps to a distinct lifecycle stage: discovery, materialization, sampling, querying, aggregation, and payment. The main ambiguity is between search_public_datasets and search_discovered_datasets, plus some overlap between get_coverage_status and list_official_sources, but the descriptions provide enough guidance for most selections.
All tools use a consistent verb_object snake_case pattern with clear verbs: get_, list_, query_, request_, sample_, search_, and aggregate_. State-changing actions uniformly use request_, and status reads uniformly use get_.
With 14 tools, the server is well within the ideal range and each tool earns its place across the data lifecycle: discover, materialize, sample, query, aggregate, and manage access. The count feels complete without being padded.
The set covers discovery, materialization, sampling, querying, aggregation, coverage status, and paid access, with provenance embedded throughout. Minor gaps exist around the 'insights' promised in the server name and lifecycle operations like cancellation or removal, but agents can generally complete core workflows.